King Karl Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Is there anything that Karl Lagerfeld hasn't done?  I suggest maybe next he attempt to Lagerfeld-ify sporting apparel.  Perhaps a surf board or tennis racket.  Oh hang on... he has already done that! (please note the sarcasm)  

Ooh!  Can you imagine a Lagerfeld designed MacBook?  I would actually die!

This ridiculously cool bottle comes in it's own little box with a very nifty hidden bottle opener.  Just what every girl needs!  Only available at Colette from April 24 

In bed with Zac Posen Friday, March 26, 2010

Rumours of Zac Posen's failing business have certainly been squashed with this new project....  Pozen has been commissioned to fashion the interiors of the "The Model Apartment", a new Manhattan apartment building in Chelsea, designed by architect Morris Adjimi.   The 2 - 3 million dollar apartments are to open this month and considering we are already obsessed with his clothes, I don't think it will be a huge jump to fall in love with his cushions and carpet. 

If you want to view the very cute video campaign using barbie as the model in the apartment, click here

L x

How to save.... Monday, September 7, 2009

I think it is safe to say that recently my world has been turned upside-down, given a massive shake up and then asked me to stand upright without falling over again. 

So with this in mind I am starting a MASSIVE savings campaign.  It kills me to say this, but it will involve less shopping all round.  Therefore here is my list for everyone who needs a little push to save more.

1) The gym membership has to go.  I love it, but it is spring now and therefore there is no excuse for not going for a walk/jog around the block a few times rather than hitting the treadmill. 

2) Take lunch to work if not every day, then Monday - Thursday at least, and give yourself a cheap lunch out treat on Friday

3) Make birthday / anniversary / father's day / mother's day cards to give to people and re-use wraping paper rather than going to expensive stationary shops.  Not only does this save money but it also helps the environment

4) Don't buy bottled water.  Re-use the bottles and fill them up out of the tap.  I actually added up one week how much i spent on just buying a few bottles of water here and there per week and it was crazy!!!

5) Allow yourself only one magazine to buy per month.  This one particularly kills me becasue im massive mags girl.  But when you think about it, all the great content comes from brilliant bloggers anyway!

6) Pick flowers from your garden (or discreatly from someone else's garden) to put in a vase rather than buy flowers.  Or go to the flower markets really really super early in the morning and only pay wholesale prices!

Note to self: Do not purchase useless things on Net-a-Porter such as this super cute Miu Miu studded heart key ring purse. 

It's easier just to avoid Net-a-Porter all together.

And always remember

"if opportuity doesn't knock, build a door"

- Milton Berle

Things to do this week Monday, August 31, 2009

I recently found a list of things everyone should do every day to achieve a happier and healthier life.  I have put a few below and added some of my own as well.  They all sound pretty smart (but common sense at the same time), except for number 6.  I'm not sure my boss would appreciate that one so much...

1. Be sure to get eight hours sleep every night.

2. Eat five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit.

3. Drink 2-3 litres of water every day.

4. Dress for success! Make yourself presentable before starting work.

5. Make your own lunch every day rather than buying it (except for Friday when you are justified to have lunch out as a lead up to the weekend).

6. Take a nap in the afternoon to re-energise.

7. Do at least half an hour of exercise every day.

8. Don’t skip lunch – and try to get out of the office to eat your sandwich.

9. Have dinner as a family – it’s important bonding time.

10. Spend 20 minutes planning tomorrow with a detailed to-do list..

11. Do one thing every day that scares you.

12. Make some quality time for your partner.

13. Make sure you get some ‘me’ time.

14. Read industry magazines to stay on top of trends.

15. Slow down – take time out to smell the roses.

(Thanks to flyingsolo.com.au for the list)

Inspirational woman: Natalie Bloom Friday, July 24, 2009

After graduating with an Arts degree, Natalie Bloom launched Bloom cosmetics at the age of 22. Honoured with numerous awards, including 2007's Victorian Young Australian of the Year, her sweet range is now stocked internationally. Thanks Marie Claire for sharing such an inspiring woman with us

What is more important, talent or drive?
Both. I think both talent and drive are of equal importance. There are so many wonderfully talented people in this world, but it is their drive that brings their talent to life.

On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success?
One. Timing, rather than luck, is the essential ingredient to success.

Which is more critical, the idea or the execution?
Both. An idea is only as good as its execution! You can have the best ideas but unless it is well executed and connects with your customer it will never become a successful reality.

Is it better to be passionate or objective?
Passionate. Passion is incredibly important in order to sustain the long-term in business.

What one trait has helped you most in business?
I have always run my business with the mantra that whatever you do, do it with integrity. This guiding principle has helped me with decision making throughout my 16 years in business.

What is the one trait that has hindered you most in business?
Balancing my creative passion with the commercial reality of running a business. There have been opportunities to create a stronger commercial business through wider distribution, however I have always chosen to stay true to my desire to maintain Bloom as a niche brand.

What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?
In the early years of Bloom I had to do everything; from the financial side of the business to product development, package design, processing and packing of orders and marketing, I did it all! As the business grew and I was able to employ others to help out, I had to learn the art of delegation. Now with such a busy lifestyle balancing work and family, I rely on this skill on a daily basis!

What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?
Firstly, you have to love what you do. If you're not passionate, you can't sustain the business and keep going through the hard times.

What are the biggest mistakes you see women making in business?
Be realistic, you can have it all, just not at the same time! I have learnt to embrace the extraordinary balancing act of being both a mother and business woman. The key to achieving this balance is to have realistic expectations.